Abstract
A plethora of research has explored the benefits of physical activities on several variables such as academic performances, quality of life, fitness, levels of stress, and depression. However, less research considered the impact of physical activity on academic anxiety, self-enhancement, and self-criticism. This study examines the influence of physical activity on academic anxiety with self-enhancement and self-criticism playing a mediating role. Data for this model has been collected by using structured questionnaires administered to 418 Pakistani university students (undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate) aged between 18 and 36 years old. Structural equation modeling through analysis of moment structures (AMOS) was applied to find that physical activity significantly reduces academic anxiety and self-criticism, and it develops self-enhancement. Further, self-enhancement was negatively associated with academic anxiety while self-criticism is directly related to academic anxiety. More importantly, self-enhancement and self-criticism partially mediated between physical activity and academic anxiety of university students in Pakistan. This research recommends governments to support physical activity programs for university students.
Highlights
The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health, quality of life and academics have been described in several studies [1,2]
This study presents the direct influence of physical activity on academic anxiety as well as the mediating role of self-enhancement and self-criticism
Current findings are in agreement with a previous study conducted by Khan [25] where a significant inverse relation has been found between physical activity and academic anxiety and stress of university students in Pakistan
Summary
The beneficial effects of physical activity (PA) on mental health, quality of life and academics have been described in several studies [1,2]. A systemic review conducted by Larun et al [15] with randomized control trials revealed that physical activity was not associated with anxiety among students. This makes us curious to find out the reasons behind these inconsistent results. Several scholars have considered other possible theoretical frameworks, for instance, cognitive processes might play a role between the two constructs [16,21,22] Instead of these well-known benefits, physical activity in students (children and youths) has not been satisfactory in Pakistan [23]. A study conducted by Arat and Wong [24] in six middle-income countries indicated unsatisfactory physical activity among people
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
